How to Bake Marinated Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baking marinated chicken is a delightful way to infuse your chicken with rich flavors while ensuring it remains juicy. This straightforward process, which involves marinating the chicken and then baking it in the oven, is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow the detailed steps below to transform your humble chicken into a delectable meal.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make your delicious marinated chicken:

Chicken: you can use breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken Marinade: choose your favorite ingredients such as olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and spices

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is easy and can be done by mixing the ingredients in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Here's a simple marinade recipe you can follow:

Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar (preferably balsamic or apple cider), 2-3 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag Optional: add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika to enhance the flavor Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-12 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat (this will significantly improve the taste).

Prepare the Baking Dish

Prepare the baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Once prepared, the chicken is ready to be baked in the preheated oven.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature.

Arrange the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken in the baking dish in a single layer to allow even cooking.

Bake

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 25-45 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts – About 25-30 minutes Bone-in thighs or drumsticks – About 35-45 minutes Whole chicken – About 1.5 hours, depending on the size

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer to guarantee it is safe to eat.

Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken more flavorful and juicy. You can also make a sauce using the leftover marinade by simmering it on the stove until it thickens to add a complementary taste to your dish.

Additional Tips

Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the baking dish for a complete and balanced meal. Tray Covering – If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring it cooks evenly.

With these simple steps, you can create delicious marinated chicken that is both tasty and satisfying. Enjoy your meal!